Among the projected cellar-dwellers who seem intent on pursuing the developing/rebuilding route, Utah is unique in that it hasn’t undertaken a coaching change since 2011. One might assume at first that a youth movement would take some of the pressure off Corbin, who is 87-89 (.494) in two-plus seasons after taking over for Jerry Sloan, but that’s probably an oversimplification. Corbin was initially appointed to make the transition from Sloan as smooth as possible while keeping Utah in the mix for the playoffs; this Jazz team is in a very different place after letting Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap and Mo Williams leave in free agency. Further complicating matters: Corbin is entering a contract year and he’s working for a GM, Dennis Lindsey, who joined the organization after Corbin was promoted to the head job.

GOLLIVER: X-Factors in the Western Conference

The Salt Lake Tribune reported in September that no contract extension was expected for Corbin, which makes sense given the franchise’s sharp turn this summer. The task ahead for Corbin is straightforward: prove to management that he’s the guy who can get the most out of a young core that includes Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, Gordon Hayward, Alec Burks and Trey Burke. If he falls short, or simply doesn’t put his stamp on the season, Corbin could go the way of Gentry, Frank, Smart and Byron Scott (Cavaliers) by falling victim to the “it’s time for a new voice” routine.